Setup automation for respiratory treatment apparatus

ABSTRACT

A respiratory treatment apparatus implements pressure delivery control settings by improved set-up procedures. In such an embodiment, a processor may automate setting of parameters for delivering a controlled flow of breathable gas. Data sets of pressure delivery parameter settings may be associated with one or more respiratory pathology indicators. The respiratory pathology indicators may each represent a different respiratory condition diagnosis. The processor may then prompt for an input of at least one of the respiratory pathology indicators. In response to the input, a particular set of pressure delivery parameter settings associated with the input respiratory pathology indicator may then serve as a basis for setting controls for delivering a controlled flow of breathable gas for respiratory treatment.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 61/225,327 filed Jul. 14, 2009, thedisclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE TECHNOLOGY

The present technology relates to respiratory treatment apparatus usedin therapeutic applications. More particularly, it relates to automatedset-up procedures for such devices.

BACKGROUND OF THE TECHNOLOGY

Typically a respiratory treatment apparatus can provide a patient with asupply of breathable gas (usually air, with or without supplementaloxygen) at a therapeutic pressure or pressures, at appropriate timesduring the subject's breathing cycle. Such therapies may includecontinuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), nasal intermittent positivepressure ventilation (NIPPV) and variable positive airway pressure(VPAP), for example. The therapy may be used for treatment of variousrespiratory conditions including, for example, Chronic ObstructivePulmonary Disease (“COPD”), sleep disordered breathing (SDB),obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), etc.

Pressure related settings of a respiratory treatment apparatus can bedetermined by a clinician by monitoring a patient's respiration during atitration session. For example, the goal of a CPAP titration session isto determine what level of CPAP treatment is needed to abolish apatient's upper-airway irregularities. Throughout such a session, aphysician or clinician may manually adjust a CPAP level (pressure) toresolve observed respiratory irregularities. In some devices, aclinician may also manually adjust settings for controlling thetriggering and cycling parameters that relate to the detection ofpatient respiration and used for patient ventilator synchronization.

In some respiratory treatment apparatus, automated control may beimplemented so that the device may even adjust treatment pressuresettings during treatment in response to detected sleep disorderedbreathing events during treatment. For example, upon detecting anoccurrence of an obstructive apnea, the device might increase the CPAPpressure by some increment until the occurrence is no longer detected.Such a device may be considered an auto-titration CPAP device.

Nevertheless, even in such devices, initial pressure treatment settingsare typically set by a clinician or physician. There may be a need toimprove the automated systems of respiratory treatment apparatus so asto promote efficient and effective set up of the control parameters usedto control pressure therapy.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE TECHNOLOGY

In an aspect of the present technology, an apparatus, such as arespiratory treatment apparatus, implements pressure delivery controlsettings by improved set-up procedures.

In another aspect of the technology, a method involves control by aprocessor to automate setting of parameters for delivering a controlledflow of breathable gas. The method may include associating one or morearrays or sets of pressure delivery parameter settings with one or morerespiratory pathology indicators. Each respiratory pathology indicatormay represent a different respiratory condition diagnosis. The methodmay prompt for an input of at least one of the respiratory pathologyindicators. The method may then receive input associated with aparticular one of the respiratory pathology indicators. In response tothe input, the method may then select the array or set of pressuredelivery parameter settings associated with the particular one of therespiratory pathology indicators for setting a processor to deliver acontrolled flow of breathable gas.

In some embodiments, a respiratory condition diagnosis of a respiratorypathology indicator may represent an obstructive disorder, a restrictivedisorder, a Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and/or an obesityhypoventilation syndrome.

In some embodiments, an array or set of pressure delivery parametersettings may include one, two or more of a rise time setting, aninspiratory time to respiration cycle time ratio setting (e.g., asetting for the maximum ratio of inspiratory time to a total breathduration), a cycling sensitivity setting, a trigger sensitivity setting,a positive end expiratory pressure setting, an expiratory positiveairway pressure setting, a pressure support setting, a maximum pressuresupport setting and a minimum pressure support setting.

The array or set of pressure delivery parameter settings may be initialsettings that are modifiable by further operation of the processor.

In some embodiments, the method may further prompt for input ofclassification data or information concerning the respiratory conditiondiagnosis of the particular one of the respiratory pathology indicators.The classification information may represent degrees of severity whereeach degree of severity may be associated with at least one differentsetting for at least one common pressure delivery parameter. In somecases, the degrees of severity may represent mild, moderate and severeobstructive disorder classifications.

In still further embodiments, the method may involve prompting for inputof a measured quantification concerning the respiratory conditiondiagnosis of a selected or particular one of the respiratory pathologyindicators. The measured quantification may, for example, be aquantification of a sniff nasal pressure. In such as case, a triggersensitivity setting may be set as a function of the input sniff nasalpressure. In some embodiments, the measured quantification may be aheight and weight or a body mass index. In such a case, an expiratorypositive airway pressure setting may be set as a function of the inputheight and weight or the input body mass index.

In still further embodiments, the method may involve delivering acontrolled flow of breathable gas according to the set of pressuredelivery parameter settings associated with the selected or particularone of the respiratory pathology indicators.

In some embodiments, the method may further include prompting for amanual adjustment to the set of pressure delivery parameter settingsassociated with the selected one of the respiratory pathologyindicators.

Some embodiments of the present technology may also include an automatedparameter-setting respiratory treatment apparatus for delivering acontrolled flow of breathable gas. The apparatus may include acontroller having at least one processor to access data representing anassociation between an array or set of pressure delivery parametersettings and at least one respiratory pathology indicator thatrepresents a respiratory condition diagnosis. The controller may befurther configured to prompt for an input of the at least onerespiratory pathology indicator. The controller may be furtherconfigured to receive input associated with the at least one respiratorypathology indicator. The controller may be further configured, inresponse to the input, to select the set or array of pressure deliveryparameter settings associated with the particular one of the respiratorypathology indicators to set a controlled flow of breathable gas.Optionally, the apparatus, controller or processor may be furtherconfigured with any or all of the features of the methods previouslydiscussed.

In some embodiments, the apparatus may further include a flow generatorcontrolled by the controller. The controller may then be furtherconfigured to deliver a controlled flow of breathable gas with the flowgenerator according to the array or set of pressure delivery parametersettings associated with the particular one of the respiratory pathologyindicator. Optionally, the controller may also be further configured toprompt for a manual adjustment to the array or set of pressure deliveryparameter settings associated with the particular one of the respiratorypathology indicators.

Some embodiments of the technology may involve a system for automatedparameter-setting of a respiratory treatment apparatus for delivering acontrolled flow of breathable gas. The system may include an apparatusas previously described. In some embodiments the system may include ameans for associating arrays or sets of pressure delivery parametersettings with a plurality of respiratory pathology indicators where eachrespiratory pathology indicator represents a different respiratorycondition diagnosis. The system may also include a means for promptingfor an input of at least one of the respiratory pathology indicators.The system may also include a means for receiving input associated witha particular one of the respiratory pathology indicators. The system mayalso include a means for selecting in response to the input, the set orarray of pressure delivery parameter settings associated with theparticular one of the respiratory pathology indicators for setting arespiratory treatment apparatus to deliver a controlled flow ofbreathable gas. Still further, the system may include a flow generationmeans for generating a flow of breathable gas based on the array or setof pressure delivery parameter settings associated with the particularone of the respiratory pathology indicators. In some embodiments, thesystem may also include a means for manual adjustment to the array orset of pressure delivery parameter settings associated with theparticular one of the respiratory pathology indicators.

Further embodiments and features of the technology may be apparent fromthe following detailed disclosure, claims and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present technology is illustrated by way of example, and not by wayof limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings, in whichlike reference numerals refer to similar elements including:

FIG. 1 shows an illustration of an example respiratory treatment deviceconfigured with an automated disease-type settings selection procedureof the present technology;

FIG. 2 illustrates an example embodiment of a control methodology for anapparatus of the present technology;

FIG. 3 is a table illustrating associations between sets of pressuretreatment control parameter settings and disease types;

FIG. 4 is an illustration of an example graphic user interface forautomated parameter setting according to an embodiment of the presenttechnology; and

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a controller for a respiratory treatmentapparatus including example components thereof suitable for implementingthe methodologies of the present technology.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As illustrated in FIG. 1, embodiments of the present technology mayinclude a respiratory treatment apparatus 102 with disease-based set-upprocedures for selection of pressure delivery control parametersettings. In such an example, the apparatus 102 will include acontroller 104 that may have one or more processors to implement theparticular set-up procedures, methodologies and algorithms as describedin more detail herein. Thus, the controller may be implemented withintegrated chips, a memory and/or other control instruction, data orinformation storage medium. For example, programmed instructionsencompassing such set-up methodologies may be coded on integrated chipsin the memory of the device or apparatus to form an application specificintegrated chip (ASIC). Such instructions may also or alternatively beloaded as software or firmware using an appropriate data storage mediumin which they reside to then control one or more programmableprocessors.

In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 1, the controller 104 isconfigured with an automated set-up procedure that has access to data,such as a table data structure, representing settings or defaultsettings for pressure control parameters. As discussed in more detailherein, the pressure delivery parameters are used in the control of theoperation of a flow generator 110 to deliver pressure treatment to apatient via a patient interface such as a mask or cannula 108. A user orclinician may select settings for the various control parameters throughutilization of a disease type selection user interface 112 capable ofsetting the operation of the respiratory treatment apparatus 102. Thus,the selection of a disease type or factors indicative thereof may belinked to the automated entry of particular settings for the pressurecontrol parameters of the respiratory treatment apparatus. The enteredsettings associated with the selected disease type may then be used bythe controller 104 to control the flow generator 110 to deliver aparticular pressure therapy to a patient.

Example steps of a methodology of the present technology are furtherillustrated in the flow chart of FIG. 2. At 220, arrays or sets ofpressure delivery parameter settings are associated with a plurality ofrespiratory pathology indicators. Each respiratory pathology indicatormay be a designator for or represent a different respiratory conditiondiagnosis. For example, the respiratory pathology indicators mayrepresent classifications for sleep disordered breathing patients (e.g.,obstructive disorder, restricted disorder, etc.) or other respiratorydisease patients (e.g., chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, etc.) Asdiscussed in more detail herein, a set of pressure delivery parametersettings may be one or more setting values for one or more parametersused in the control of pressure treatment (e.g., a pressure supportlevel, an expiratory positive airway pressure level, a cycle threshold,trigger threshold, etc.) This information and their associations may bestored as data in one or more data structures, such as a table, of amemory accessible by a controller or programmed processor as previouslydiscussed.

At 222, an apparatus or processor may prompt for an input of at leastone of the respiratory pathology indicators. For example, such promptingmay be implemented by a user interface such as a GUI of a display (e.g.,LCD) or touch screen display. Still optionally, the interface may beimplemented with other input components (e.g., mouse, keypad, functionspecific buttons, etc.) An example GUI embodiment is illustrated in FIG.4 and discussed in more detail herein. At 224, the apparatus orprocessor receives the input associated with a particular one of therespiratory pathology indicators. At 226, based on the input, theapparatus or processor selects the array or set of pressure deliveryparameter settings associated with the particular one of the respiratorypathology indicators. The apparatus or processor may then use theselected data as settings for delivering a controlled flow of breathablegas.

An example embodiment of the technology may be considered with regard tothe table data structure shown in FIG. 3. It will be understood thatwhile particular parameters, settings and disease conditions areillustrated, others may also or alternatively be implemented.

When implemented by a processor, data representing the information ofthe table of FIG. 3 may serve as a unique tool that allows some of thesettings of the control of a flow generator to be optimised fordifferent respiratory conditions. For example, an interface may ask auser to pick a type of disease such as the respiratory pathologyindicators 320A, 320B, 320C, 320D with graphic icons or text labels. Theinterface logic may then select a set of settings 321 from a largergroup of potential settings so as to optimise pressure deliveryparameters 322A, 322B, 322B, 322C, 322D, 322E, 322F, 322G, 322G, 322H,322I for the particular disease of the patient. For example, suitablesettings for comfort-based pressure delivery parameters (e.g., PositiveEnd Expiratory Pressure (PEEP), Expiratory Positive Airway Pressure(EPAP), Rise time, fall time, etc.), synchrony-based pressure deliveryparameters (e.g., cycle sensitivity, trigger sensitivity, inspiratorytime ratio etc.) and/or therapy-based pressure delivery parameters(e.g., pressure support, minimum pressure support and maximum pressuresupport, etc.) may be selected based on the determined pathologyindicator.

In this embodiment, respiratory failure disorders intended for treatmentby the respiratory treatment apparatus have been divided into threecategories depending on their effect on lung mechanics. The designatedcategories include obstructive, normal, restrictive and obesityhypoventilation syndrome. Each of these categories leads to a differentbreathing pattern meaning that comfort and synchrony are optimal atdifferent ventilator settings.

Obstructive diseases, such as COPD are typically characterised by rapidinspiration and very prolonged expiration. Restrictive diseases such aschest wall abnormalities are characterised by rapid shallow breathing.Normal mechanics are seen in central hypoventilation syndromes andneuromuscular diseases without scoliosis or chest wall deformities, andthese patients have a relatively normal breathing pattern. Thus,particular settings may be implemented by data structures to suit suchcharacterizations.

For example, patients with severe obstructive lung diseases maygenerally prefer rapid rise and fall times for comfort. Since they haveprolonged expiration, synchrony may be optimized with ventilatorsettings that lead to shorter inspiratory times (e.g., a ratio ofinspiratory time to total cycle time “Ti/Ttot”), and rapid cycling frominspiration to expiration.

Patients with severe restrictive lung disease have rapid respiratory andflow rates and may find longer rise and fall times more comfortable.Reduced cycling sensitivity assists in achieving adequate tidal volume.

The normal settings in the example are chosen to be intermediate and maybe typical ventilator settings.

In some embodiments, a default group of settings may be implemented inthe absence of a user selection of a particular respiratory pathologyindicator. For example, the default set of settings may be the “normal”designated set of settings illustrated in FIG. 3.

As illustrated in FIG. 3 one or more parameters may be utilized tocontrol the pressure delivery and their setting values or settings maybe associated with various respiratory pathology indicators. Forexample, a setting for a rise time parameter 322A may be implemented.This parameter may control the time by which a measure of pressuredelivered by the apparatus 102 changes from an expiratory positiveairway pressure level (EPAP) to an inspiratory positive airway pressurelevel (IPAP) from the time that the apparatus is triggered into aninspiratory phase.

Similarly, a setting for a fall time parameter 322B may also beimplemented. This parameter may control the time by which a measure ofpressure delivered by the apparatus 102 changes from an IPAP level to anEPAP level from the time that the apparatus is cycled into an expiratoryphase.

Another such parameter may be an inspiratory time ratio 322C (TiTot)which may be a ratio of the time of the inspiratory phase to a totaltime for a respiratory cycle. In other words, it may be a setting forthe maximum ratio of inspiratory time to a total breath duration.Settings for this parameter may control the switching of the apparatusto the expiratory phase to deliver the EPAP level in the event thatexpiration is not detected (e.g., failure of a cycling thresholddetection.)

Another example parameter may be a cycling sensitivity 322D. A settingfor this parameter may adjust the threshold compared to a flow signal todetect whether a patient has initiated expiration so that the apparatuscan respond by delivering an EPAP level.

A still further example parameter may be a trigger sensitivity 322E. Asetting for this parameter may adjust the threshold compared to a flowsignal to detect whether a patient has initiated inspiration so that theapparatus can respond by delivering the IPAP level.

Another such parameter may be an EPAP level 322F. A setting for thisparameter may control the level or amount of pressure delivered duringpatient expiration. Such a measure may also be considered a PEEP level.

A still further parameter may be a pressure support (“PS”) parameter322G. A setting for this parameter may control the pressure deliveredduring inspiration. For example, an IPAP level may be determined as afunction of the PS level and the EPAP level (e.g., PS=IPAP−EPAP).

In some embodiments, the PS level may be automatically adjusted (e.g.,incremented or decremented) by the apparatus upon detection of or anabsence of SDB events such as obstruction, flow limitation or flowflattening, etc. In such a case, additional pressure delivery parametersmay include a minimum PS 322H and a maximum PS 322I. Settings for theseparameters serve as a limit to such automatic changes made to the PSlevel.

Additional settings for other pressure control parameters may also beimplemented and associated with one or more respiratory pathologyindicators depending on the type of respiratory treatment apparatus.Nevertheless, through the association of different respiratory pathologyindicators, different settings for a common parameter or differentparameters may be suggested for use by the apparatus. In so doing,settings may be pre-configured so as to be particularly suitable fordifferent patient respiratory condition diagnoses.

In some embodiments, additional prompting for user input by theapparatus may be implemented for further selection of suitable settings.For example, within one or more of the disease categories, sub-queriesmay allow finer adjustment of initial settings by further classifyingthe disease. Such questions when and if prompted may depend on theparticular respiratory pathology indicator. For example, a generalquestion may be asked for any disease state based on severity, such asby prompting for a rating as a number between 0 (normal) and 10 (worstpossible severity). Optionally, this may be accomplished by inputting atraditional medical category such as that of mild, moderate and severe.In some embodiments, such questions may optionally be combined with theparticular respiratory pathology indicator input query according todisease as well as severity (e.g., Severe Restrictive, ModerateRestrictive, Mild Restrictive etc.)

By way of further example, in those patients in the “ObstructiveDisorder” category, a cycling threshold parameter (e.g., a proportion ofinspiratory flow at which cycling into expiration occurs) might be setaccording to a further prompt requesting input of severity information.The input may then utilize the following example table data structureupon input of a severity designator so as to select a particularsetting.

Mild 35% (cycle Threshold) Moderate 45% (cycle Threshold) Severe 55%(cycle Threshold)

Similarly, other settings for different pressure delivery parameters mayalso be selected in this manner. For example, upon input of a “severe”severity indicator, a trigger sensitivity parameter may be set to ahigher or different setting value compared to that of a mild or moderateseverity designation.

In some embodiments, prompts for user input about a patient's symptomsmay further control the selection of settings. For example, in“Obstructive Disorder” designated patients, the set-up procedures mayprompt for information concerning whether the patient has expiratoryflow limitation and to what degree. In response to an affirmative and/orseverity-based user input through the user interface, different settingsmay be implemented. For example, an input affirmation by a user of asevere degree of flow limitation may implement a higher EPAP settingvalue being selected in the set of pressure delivery parameter settingsproposed for treatment or for initiation of treatment.

In still further embodiments, the set-up procedures may prompt a userfor objectively measurable quantities. In response to the user input ofsuch quantities via the user interface, the automated selection ofdifferent settings may then be implemented. For example, in aneuromuscular patient category or pathology indicator, the maximalinspiratory pressure or the sniff nasal pressure may be requestedthrough the user interface. In response to the input and based thereon,the apparatus may then adjust or select a particular trigger sensitivityassociated with the particular quantity. For example, lower nasalpressure quantities may be associated with greater sensitivity settingvalues.

By way of further example, in an obesity hypoventilation syndromepatient category or pathology indicator, the user interface may promptfor the input of height and weight. The apparatus may then apply thisdata to calculate a body mass index (BMI). Alternatively, the apparatusmay prompt for the input of a BMI. With the prompted or calculated BMI,different pressure delivery parameter settings may then be chosen. Forexample, higher BMI quantities may be associated with higher EPAPsetting values.

In still further embodiments, the set-up procedures may implement a userinterface to prompt a user or clinician to input patient characteristicdata such as age, weight, height, general health questions and/orsymptoms. The automated set-up procedures may then select an respiratorypathology indicator associated with the input data or prompt for userconfirmation of one or more respiratory pathology indicators via theuser interface based on the input data. In this way, the user interfacemay designate or classify the patient by selecting one or more potentialrespiratory pathology indicators from a larger group of potentialrespiratory pathology indicators. In so doing, an automated selection ofa suitable set of pressure delivery parameter settings may then bechosen based on a particular respiratory pathology indicator suggestedby the apparatus and confirmed by the user or clinician.

Example User Interface

An example graphic user interface 412 for a set-up procedure of thepresent technology is illustrated in FIG. 4. In the example, graphicicons may optionally be implemented to prompt for user input. Forexample, in the implemented version a disease type may be selected viaprompted icons at 414 designated “OD”, “RD”, “OHS” or by some otherdesignations. User or clinician input associated with these icons mayrepresent a selection of “obstructive disorder”, “restrictive disorder”and “obesity hypoventilation syndrome” respectively. User input may beby mouse, touch screen, arrow keys, buttons, voice activation or anyother input device.

Upon input of the disease type, the user may optionally be prompted forinput concerning pathology classification or severity with severityicons at 416. This prompting may optionally depend on a prior input ofthe disease type. For example, some pathology indicator selections maynot include subsequent severity prompts and some may utilize differentseverity prompts from others.

This input data may then be utilized by the apparatus to select a set ofparameter settings based on pre-configured associations between theinput, settings, parameters and/or pathology indicators.

At 418, the values for a set of one or more of the selected parametersettings may then optionally be modified by a user by prompting theuser. In the example at 418, icons may designate different ones of theparameters previously described. User or clinician input may then beprovided to optionally adjust each setting of each parameter if desired.

At 420, the apparatus may prompt the user to start the apparatus so asto deliver pressure treatment based on the selected set of pressuredelivery parameter settings or the modified versions thereof that wereadjusted at 418.

Example Controller Architecture

An example system architecture of a set-up controller 501 is illustratedin the block diagram of FIG. 5. In the illustration, the controller maybe implemented by one or more programmable processors 508. The devicemay also include a display interface 510 to output data for the userinterface as previously discussed (e.g., pressure delivery parametersettings, questions, prompts, respiratory pathology indicators, etc.) toa display such as on a monitor, LCD panel, touch screen, etc. A usercontrol/input interface 512, for example, for a keyboard, touch panel,control buttons, mouse etc. may also be included as previously discussedand for inputting data, or otherwise activating or operating themethodologies described herein. The device may also include a sensor ordata interface 514, such as a bus, for receiving/transmitting data suchas programming instructions, indicators, settings data and other outputor input of the previously described algorithms.

The device also includes memory/data storage components 520 containingcontrol instructions and data of the aforementioned methodologies. Forexample, at 522, they may include stored processor control instructionsfor the user interface and related methodologies such as prompting forinput, selection and modification of parameter settings and pathologyindicators etc. At 524, these may also include stored processor controlinstructions for respiratory treatment control such as feedbackprocessing and pressure control adjustment according to the selectedpressure delivery settings, etc. Finally, they may also include storeddata at 526 for the methodologies such as sets of pressure deliveryparameter settings, respiratory pathology indicators, indicators andsettings associations, queries or prompts, tables or other datastructures, input selections, input adjustments, etc.

In some embodiments, the processor control instructions and data forcontrolling the above described methodologies may be contained in acomputer readable recording medium as software for use by a generalpurpose computer so that the general purpose computer may serve as aspecific purpose computer according to any of the methodologiesdiscussed herein upon loading the software into the general purposecomputer.

In the foregoing description and in the accompanying drawings, specificterminology and drawing symbols are set forth to provide a thoroughunderstanding of the present technology. In some instances, theterminology and symbols may imply specific details that are not requiredto practice the technology. For example, while some steps of themethodologies have been described in certain order it will be understoodthat other ordering and parallel processing of the steps may also beimplemented. Moreover, although the technology herein has been describedwith reference to particular embodiments, it is to be understood thatthese embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles andapplications of the technology. It is therefore to be understood thatnumerous modifications may be made to the illustrative embodiments.

For example, while in some embodiments the setup procedures previouslydescribed may operate in a respiratory treatment apparatus so as toautomate selection of the settings for that particular apparatus, insome embodiments, the set-up procedures may be implemented on a set-upapparatus, such as a general purpose computer or special purposeprocessing device. Upon completion of the set-up methodologies describedherein, the selected settings may then be communicatively transferred toa respiratory treatment apparatus 102 from the set-up apparatus, forexample, by wired or wireless data communication. The respiratorytreatment apparatus 102 may then utilize the settings chosen by theset-up apparatus for the control of the pressure treatment provided bythe respiratory treatment apparatus.

Other arrangements may be devised without departing from the spirit andscope of the technology.

1. A method for controlling a processor to automate setting ofparameters for delivering a controlled flow of breathable gas, themethod of the processor comprising: associating an array of pressuredelivery parameter settings with at least one respiratory pathologyindicator, the respiratory pathology indicator representing arespiratory condition diagnosis; prompting for an input of the at leastone respiratory pathology indicator; receiving input associated with therespiratory pathology indicator; in response to the input, selecting thearray of pressure delivery parameter settings associated with therespiratory pathology indicator for setting a processor to deliver acontrolled flow of breathable gas.
 2. The method of claim 1 wherein arespiratory condition diagnosis of a respiratory pathology indicatorcomprises obstructive disorder.
 3. The method of claim 1 wherein arespiratory condition diagnosis of a respiratory pathology indicatorcomprises restrictive disorder.
 4. The method of claim 1 wherein arespiratory condition diagnosis of a respiratory pathology indicatorcomprises Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.
 5. The method of claim1 wherein a respiratory condition diagnosis of a respiratory pathologyindicator comprises obesity hypoventilation syndrome.
 6. The method ofclaim 1 wherein the array of pressure delivery parameter settingscomprises at least two of a rise time setting, an inspiratory time torespiration cycle time ratio setting, a cycling sensitivity setting, atrigger sensitivity setting, a positive end expiratory pressure setting,a pressure support setting, a maximum pressure support setting and aminimum pressure support setting.
 7. The method of claim 1 wherein thearray of pressure delivery parameter settings comprises initial settingsthat are modifiable by further operation of the processor.
 8. The methodof claim 1 further comprising prompting for input of classificationinformation concerning the respiratory condition diagnosis of the atleast one respiratory pathology indicator.
 9. The method of claim 8wherein the classification information comprises a plurality of degreesof severity, and wherein each degree of severity is associated with adifferent setting for a common pressure delivery parameter.
 10. Themethod of claim 9 wherein the plurality of degrees of severity comprisemild, moderate and severe obstructive disorder.
 11. The method of claim1 further comprising prompting for input of a measured quantificationconcerning the respiratory condition diagnosis of the at least onerespiratory pathology indicator.
 12. The method of claim 11 wherein themeasured quantification comprises a sniff nasal pressure, and wherein atrigger sensitivity setting is set as a function of the input sniffnasal pressure.
 13. The method of claim 11 wherein the measuredquantification comprises a height and weight or a body mass index, andwherein an expiratory positive airway pressure setting is set as afunction of the input height and weight or the input body mass index.14. The method of claim 1 further comprising generating a controlledflow of breathable gas according to the set of pressure deliveryparameter settings associated with the at least one respiratorypathology indicator.
 15. The method of claim 1 further comprisingprompting for a manual adjustment to the set of pressure deliveryparameter settings associated with the at least one respiratorypathology indicator.
 16. An automated parameter-setting respiratorytreatment apparatus for delivering a controlled flow of breathable gas,the apparatus comprising: a controller having at least one processor toaccess data representing an association between an array of pressuredelivery parameter settings and a at least one respiratory pathologyindicator, the at least one respiratory pathology indicator representinga respiratory condition diagnosis; the controller being furtherconfigured (a) to prompt for an input of the at least one respiratorypathology indicator; (b) to receive input associated with the at leastone respiratory pathology indicator; and (c) in response to the input,select the array of pressure delivery parameter settings associated withthe at least one respiratory pathology indicator to set a controlledflow of breathable gas.
 17. The apparatus of claim 16 wherein arespiratory condition diagnosis of a respiratory pathology indicatorcomprises obstructive disorder.
 18. The apparatus of claim 16 wherein arespiratory condition diagnosis of a respiratory pathology indicatorcomprises restrictive disorder.
 19. The apparatus of claim 16 wherein arespiratory condition diagnosis of a respiratory pathology indicatorcomprises Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.
 20. The apparatus ofclaim 16 wherein a respiratory condition diagnosis of a respiratorypathology indicator comprises obesity hypoventilation syndrome.
 21. Theapparatus of claim 16 wherein the array of pressure delivery parametersettings comprises at least two of a rise time setting, an inspiratorytime to respiration cycle time ratio setting, a cycling sensitivitysetting, a trigger sensitivity setting, an expiratory positive airwaypressure setting, a pressure support setting, a maximum pressure supportsetting and a minimum pressure support setting.
 22. The apparatus ofclaim 16 wherein the array of pressure delivery parameter settingscomprises initial settings that are modifiable by further operation ofthe processor.
 23. The apparatus of claim 16 wherein the controller isfurther configured to prompt for input of classification informationconcerning the respiratory condition diagnosis of the at least onerespiratory pathology indicator.
 24. The apparatus of claim 23 whereinthe classification information comprises a plurality of degrees ofseverity, and wherein each degree of severity is associated with adifferent setting for a common pressure delivery parameter.
 25. Theapparatus of claim 24 wherein the plurality of degrees of severitycomprise mild, moderate and severe obstructive disorder.
 26. Theapparatus of claim 16 wherein the controller is further configured toprompt for input of a measured quantification concerning the respiratorycondition diagnosis of the at least one respiratory pathology indicator.27. The apparatus of claim 26 wherein the measured quantificationcomprises a sniff nasal pressure, and wherein a trigger sensitivitysetting is set as a function of the input sniff nasal pressure.
 28. Theapparatus of claim 26 wherein the measured quantification comprises aheight and weight or a body mass index, and wherein an expiratorypositive airway pressure setting is set as a function of the inputheight and weight or the input body mass index.
 29. The apparatus ofclaim 16 further comprising a flow generator controlled by thecontroller, and wherein the controller is further configured to delivera controlled flow of breathable gas with the flow generator according tothe array of pressure delivery parameter settings associated with the atleast one respiratory pathology indicator.
 30. The apparatus of claim 29wherein the controller is further configured to prompt for a manualadjustment to the set of pressure delivery parameter settings associatedwith the particular one of the respiratory pathology indicators.
 31. Asystem for automated parameter-setting of a respiratory treatmentapparatus for delivering a controlled flow of breathable gas, the systemcomprising: means for associating an array of pressure deliveryparameter settings with at least one respiratory pathology indicator,the respiratory pathology indicator representing a respiratory conditiondiagnosis; means for prompting for an input of the at least one ofrespiratory pathology indicator; means for receiving input associatedwith the at least one respiratory pathology indicator; means forselecting in response to the input, the array of pressure deliveryparameter settings associated with the at least one respiratorypathology indicator for setting a respiratory treatment apparatus todeliver a controlled flow of breathable gas.
 32. The system of claim 31further comprising flow generation means for generating a flow ofbreathable gas based on the array of pressure delivery parametersettings associated with the at least one respiratory pathologyindicator.
 33. The system of claim 32 further comprising means formanual adjustment to the array of pressure delivery parameter settingsassociated with the particular one of the respiratory pathologyindicator.
 34. An automated parameter-setting respiratory treatmentapparatus for delivering a controlled flow of breathable gas, theapparatus comprising: a controller having at least one processor toaccess data representing an association between arrays of pressuredelivery parameter settings and a plurality of respiratory pathologyindicators, each respiratory pathology indicator representing adifferent respiratory condition diagnosis; the controller being furtherconfigured (a) to prompt for an input of at least one of the respiratorypathology indicators; (b) to receive input associated with a particularone of the respiratory pathology indicators; and (c) in response to theinput, select the set of pressure delivery parameter settings associatedwith the particular one of the respiratory pathology indicators to set acontrolled flow of breathable gas.